Comprehensive theoretical studies on stable and radioactive isotopes produced by proton irradiation of titanium target

Abstract

Abstract Natural titanium (natTi) has been suggested to be used as a window or target body in cyclotron-based medical radionuclide production. Therefore, comprehensive theoretical studies regarding impurities that might contribute to proton bombardment of Ti window are of great interest. In this investigation, the TALYS code was employed to calculate nuclear cross-sections of natTi(p,n), natTi(p,2n), natTi(p,α), natTi(p,d) and natTi(n,γ) reactions. The calculations were simulated for proton energies between 1 to 60 MeV. Based on the calculated results, several vanadium (V) radionuclides, e.g. 46,47,48,49,50V were predicted to be generated from natTi(p,n) reaction, whereas vanadium (V) radionuclides, namely 45,46,47,48,49V could be produced from natTi(p,2n) reaction. Some scandium radionuclides, e.g. 43,44,46,47Sccould be resulted from natTi(p,α) reaction, while stable 45Sc isotope was also predicted from this reaction. For natTi(p,d) reaction, 45Ti radionuclide was expected to be generated, while other stable 46,47, 48,49,50Ti atoms could be created as a result of this nuclear reaction. In addition, stable isotope 46Sc was expected to be produced from 46Ti(p,2p)45Sc reaction, while 46,47,48,49Sc radionuclides were foreseen from 47,48,49,50Ti(p,2p) reaction. In the event of secondary neutrons were reflected back and hit the natTi target, several stable 47, 48,49,50Ti atoms were predicted to be produced, whereas short-lived 51Ti radioisotope was expected to rise from 46Ti(p,d)45Ti reaction. This theoretical data could be useful for future radionuclide production should natTi is used as a target window instead of Havar.